Definition
退居二线 is a fixed phrase meaning 'to step back to a secondary position' — originally from political/military contexts (the 'second line' behind the front line), now used for leaders or senior professionals who leave a primary executive role to take a less active, advisory, or honorary position. It often implies a graceful or planned transition rather than a forced removal. You'll hear it in news about retiring officials or veteran experts.
v.p.
(verb phrase) to withdraw from a leading position to a secondary or advisory role
Examples
- 退居二线，。Lǎo chǎngzhǎng qùnián tuì jū èr xiàn, bǎ gōngzuò jiāo gěi le niánqīng rén.The old factory director stepped back to a secondary position last year and handed the work over to the younger generation.
- 退居二线。Hěn duō lǎo jiàoshòu tuì jū èr xiàn hòu réngrán zhǐdǎo yánjiūshēng.Many senior professors still supervise graduate students after stepping back from their primary roles.
- 退居二线，。Tā zhǔdòng tuì jū èr xiàn, ràng gèng yǒu nénglì de rén lái guǎnlǐ gōngsī.He voluntarily stepped back to let more capable people manage the company.
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